Guilty plea to armed robbery at Offaly pharmacy

A MAN has no memory of an armed robbery he carried out at a Tullamore pharmacy, the local Circuit Court was told.

Judge Ronan Munro heard that Philip Maguire (37), St Columba's Place, Tullamore had a long history of mental illness.

Mr Maguire pleaded guilty to robbing €530 cash and €192 worth of medication at McCormack Pharmacy, Kilbeggan Bridge, Arden Road, Tullamore on October 22 last when he was arraigned at the Circuit Court on Tuesday (April 14).

The man also admitted possessing a shotgun with intent to commit robbery and having the shotgun with intent to prevent his arrest.

Defence counsel David Nugent said Mr Maguire had no recollection of any of the incident and had a long history of mental illness.

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Mr Nugent said a psychiatric report would be important to examine “where Philip was” prior to the incident.

He said Mr Maguire was in custody in Cloverhill Prison for quite a period of time and was now on the proper after a “battle”.

Mr Nugent said the man was doing well in custody where he was an enhanced prisoner with two jobs and a probation report would also help the court.

Judge Munro adjourned consideration of sentencing to June 3 next and ordered psychiatric, probation and prison governor's reports.

The judge said Mr Maguire can appear before the court by video link from prison.